Security Officer

Chicago History Museum; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 25,000 - 33,000; Full time

Job summary

Chicago History Museum is seeking a Security Officer to observe and report activities during events, interact with visitors, vendors, and staff, and enforce security and safety policies. The role requires patrolling galleries and responding to emergencies with composure and excellent customer service.

Ideal candidates have a high school diploma, museum security experience preferred, and must hold a PERC card; CPR/First Aid training is a plus. Located at 1601 N. Clark Street, Chicago.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Security experience preferred in a museum or educational environment.
• Availability to work evenings and weekends on a part‑time schedule and on‑call basis.
• PERC card is a must; CPR/First Aid training preferred.
• Must pass background investigation.

Responsibilities

• Observe and report activities and incidents during events and programs.
• Interact with visitors, vendors, and employees while enforcing security and safety policies.
• Patrol galleries and building areas as assigned.
• Respond quickly to emergencies and follow established procedures.
• Provide excellent customer service and maintain a professional appearance.

Skills

Customer service

Communication

Observation & reporting

Stamina & composure

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

PERC card

CPR/First Aid training

Job description

Security Officer

Full-time Regular 35 or more hrs per wk Full-Time

Chicago, IL, US

Salary: $20.00 Hourly

Position: Security Officer Full Time

Department: Security Operating

Reports to: Chief of Security

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

Location: 1601 N. Clark Street, Chicago, IL 60614

Opportunity

The Security Officer’s primary responsibilities are to observe and report activities and incidents during special events/programs and interact with visitors, vendors, and employees while enforcing Museum security and safety policies. Additional duties may include safeguarding the Museum’s collections and temporary exhibitions, through proactive, preemptive, and appropriately responsive action.

Core Responsibilities

• Monitor catering staff, vendors, and guests during special events. This includes proper check-in/out of all visitors, to ensure safety and security of the Museum.
• Patrol exhibition galleries and unsecured areas of the building as assigned.
• Keen ability to observe, report, and respond to safety and security issues in both public and sensitive museum areas.
• Respond to emergency situations quickly, taking direct orders from superiors and following standard procedures.
• Respond to, assess, and notify proper authorities in alarming situations.
• Skill in interacting diplomatically with the public in a high-volume, continuous-public-contact setting.
• Ability to maintain composure in the face of resistance and hostility.
• Ability to provide excellent customer service.
• Stamina, strength and dexterity in the feet and legs, keenness of vision and memory for detail.
• Ability to communicate effectively in English verbally and in writing, including effective radio communication, log reporting, and report writing skills.
• Maintain a clean and neat appearance and wear a uniform.
• Relocate heavy wheeled carts, place and secure scissor gates in front of galleries when closed, set up and take down stanchions with rope barricades and move directive signs, both inside and outside, using a 2-wheeled hand truck or dolly.
• Support the Museum’s welcoming culture and demonstrate that the museum is for everyone. Excellent customer service skills a must.

The Ideal Candidate Will

• High school graduate or equivalent
• Security experience preferably in a museum or educational environment
• Available to work evenings and weekends on a part-time scheduled basis and occasionally on an on-call basis
• PERC card is a must. Training in CPR and first aid procedures is preferred.
• Must be able to pass background investigation and maintain an operating mobile telephone
• Patience with children and senior citizens. Must be a great communicator.
• Consistently perform job duties throughout the shift, with or without supervision.
• Must be 21 years to qualify.

Other Duties

Will require Saturdays, Sundays and some holidays. Must be available to work more than scheduled shift without prior notice.

Compensation & Benefits

The expected pay range for this position is $20 per hour. Compensation is determined based on experience, skills, internal equity, and organizational needs. CHM offers a comprehensive benefits package, which may include medical, dental, and vision insurance, paid time off, paid holidays, retirement plans, and other benefits in accordance with CHM policies.

Employment Opportunity Statement

Chicago History Museum is an Equal Opportunity Employer and provides reasonable accommodations as required by law. All qualified candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.